Harry Frankfurt, Professor of Philosophy,
Author of On Bullshit
"It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction. ...
Someone who lies and someone who tells the truth are playing on opposite sides, so to speak, in the same game. Each responds
to the facts as he understands them, although the response of the one is guided by the authority of the truth, while the response
of the other defies that authority and refuses to meet its demands. The bullshitter ignores these demands altogether. He does not
reject the authority of the truth, as the liar does, and oppose himself to it. He pays no attention to it at all. By virtue of this,
bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are."
--Harry Frankfurt, Professor of Philosophy, from his book
On Bullshit, Princeton University Press, 2005
One Man's Bullshit Is Another Man's Bible
It's been a long way to the truth,
With all the bullshit obscuring the way--
How often throughout my youth
I sought something honest to say.
I've seen most art as a lie
That has little to do with the world,
And the honest ones often die
Long before their story is told.
I've heard turgid words that blind
In a constant attempt to impress,
While the truly brilliant minds
Can speak volumes by saying less.
I've learned that great art is not
For the gaping public to praise,
And true beauty cannot be bought,
No matter what anyone pays.
I've learned that true art is above
Rigid rules of the cultural snobs,
Or the cheap declarations of love
That appeal to the ignorant mob.
I've learned that wisdom comes cheap,
Told by those who proselytize
Their bullshit to those who sleep,
Dulled by dreams of beautiful lies.
February 20, 2007
Copyright © 2007 by Alexander Shaumyan